Garage damaged my car

eXist

eXist

eXist

Associate
Joined
26 Jan 2009
Posts
1,114
Just picked up my GT86 that was in 2 weds ago for a rattle from passanger door. Garage then informed me their tech had mounted a kerb and damaged the front wing.

Happy with the paintjob having looked at it but noticed a slightly more prominent gap between front bumper and drivers front wheel bumper that's much neater on the passenger although this maybe petty.

My main gripe which is why I'm posting is that the drivers wheel now has a 2 inch scuff along the very outer edge and my tyre has 2 half inch cuts about 5-10mm deep into the "kerb safe " area of the tyre. Given that its a royal pain only replacing one tyre what should I pitch to the general manager tomorrow when I phone him as he coudnt be there so late tonight to speak with me. am I being totally unreasonable asking for a replacement wheel and 2 new tyres to match?

I'm need to confirm with general manager but the workshop manager mentioned a free service for the hassle which is great as its the big 4 year service next.

Thanks

can put pics if needed
 
But you're already gaining tread from the tyre replacement. If you're that worried about the handling difference between a couple mm of tread depth, replace the other one yourself, or ask the garage to source a replacement tyre with a similar amount of wear.

They do sound like they are playing games fair at the moment. I'd have probably been happy with a wheel refurb and replacement tyre, never mind a new wheel and the big service done.

People ask for too much IMO sometimes. Put back to where you were, or slightly better off, seems plenty reasonable to me.
 
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xs2man said:
But you're already gaining tread from the tyre replacement. If you're that worried about the handling difference between a couple mm of tread depth, replace the other one yourself, or ask the garage to source a replacement tyre with a similar amount of wear.

They do sound like they are playing games fair at the moment. I'd have probably been happy with a wheel refurb and replacement tyre, never mind a new wheel and the big service done.

People ask for too much IMO sometimes. Put back to where you were, or slightly better off, seems plenty reasonable to me.
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totally agree which is why I thought id get opinions on just how reasonable I should be, I ll post up pics in a wee while to see if a wheel refurb will do the job.
 
Not much to do with the thread but it made me chuckle and remember what I did once as an apprentice.

This guy was waiting for his brand new Montego and the foreman asked me to take it out of the garage and park it outside for sales.
The owner was stood by the garage doors and watched as I reversed it into the wall.
The look on his face.
The look on the gaffers face.

I was in so much trouble.

I remember him picking a different coloured car to make sure it was not the one with a scratched bumper.
 
OP, I'd expect a new wheel and tyre (no cheap brand).
Buy another matching tyre, problem solved.

Was the tech trying to drift or something??
How do you "mount a kerb and damage the front wing" checking for a passenger door rattle? :confused:
 
mjt said:
OP, I'd expect a new wheel and tyre (no cheap brand).
Buy another matching tyre, problem solved.

Was the tech trying to drift or something??
How do you "mount a kerb and damage the front wing" checking for a passenger door rattle? :confused:
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cars running eibachs innit bruv!
 
Diamond cut alloy, usually cheaper to source a new one than refurb, especially from someone who's swapped out for new alloys (I've got a spare set as it was as cheap to buy a set with tyres than just the tyres by themselves). 4th year isn't the biggest service but make sure they are replacing the rear diff oil and brake fluid as most dealers like to cut corners by charging extra when it is included and required.

A refurb/replacement plus two tyres would probably have a list price of £300, plus new clips for the front bumper as they'll break more trying to re-hang it.
 
I'm sure if you tell them they'll refit the wing better. It's not like they have to do a complicated repair.

I'd be okay with a refurb on the alloy (as you've said it's pointless getting a new alloy, just a waste of money and resources) and a single new tyre.
 
Housey said:
Tyre and wheel replaced is all I would accept.
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I'd be going for this. I've had alloys refurbed in the past and while done to a high standard you can often tell they are not quite original colour when looking at it against the other wheel.

I'd then buy a matching tyre myself.

Also get the wing refitted.
 
They should have replaced ALL the damaged parts, including the kerbed alloy and the tyre. Plus possibly the other tyre as well so they match, otherwise it may effect handing. They should not have even let you drive off with a tyre damaged in that way really, if it went bang and you had a crash they would be liable. Everything should be as it was when you dropped it off.

As for the panel gaps. Trust me, they are a nightmare to get right lol. I spent AGES correcting the bonnet position on my Fiesta ST (Ford often put stuff on wonky at the factory).

Check closely that the paint is actually a perfect match as well. Orange is very hard to get right (and is more expensive because of that).
 
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eXist said:
the workshop manager mentioned a free service for the hassle which is great as its the big 4 year service next.
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Ahahaha, you think he doesn't know it's the "big 4 year service next"?. If some mechanic who barely knows how to drive a car offered me a free "big" service I'd be running for the hills.

Chances are he will give you a "free" service but because of a couple of bolts and jubilee clips he accidentally loosens, you'll be crawling back a month later to put £800 in his back pocket.

The old "free service" joke is the worst joke you'll ever hear.
 
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